A guide to gastronorm sizes

February 13, 2025 Jonathan White Mitchell & Cooper Insights Guides Views

Gastronorm pans are indispensable in the catering industry. They have a whole host of applications, from cooking dishes to storing them, or even using them as part of your buffet display. And as there are so many GN sizes available, they are useful for a variety of different food businesses, big or small.

Whether you run a restaurant, operate a food truck, or manage a catering business, understanding gastronorm sizes is essential for maintaining efficiency in your kitchen. In this gastronorm size guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about gastro trays, from the different gastronorm sizes with our handy GN pan size chart, to our expert advice for purchasing and maintaining gastronorm trays.

What is a gastronorm?

Gastronorm sizes

Things to keep in mind when buying GN pan

GN pan maintenance tips

What is a gastronorm?

Gastronorm (often shortened to GN) is a standardisation system developed in the 1960s. This system standardises container sizes for the food industry. It is technically a European standard, but it is used across most of the globe, with notable exceptions being the USA and Canada, both of which have their own unique systems. Gastronorm containers are usually made from stainless steel, but they can come in a few other materials too, including ceramic and plastic.

This standard GN size was introduced to ensure cross-compatibility between pans, shelves, ovens, fridges, and other kitchen equipment, regardless of the manufacturer, making them a cost-effective choice.

There are numerous benefits to using GN pans. For a start, there is a wide range of gastro sizes and depths to choose from, allowing for plenty of different configurations. They can also be used in several different ways. Stainless steel GN pans can be used to cook dishes in the oven, keep food warm in a bain-maries, display food when hosting a buffet, store dishes or ingredients in the fridge or freezer, and can be useful for transporting food too. They are particularly valuable pieces of kit in compact kitchens because their modular design allows them to be stacked or nested, making them a must-have when space is at a premium.

Gastronorm sizes

There are nine different Gastronorm sizes to choose from, determined by the container's external dimensions. Below is a handy gastronorm size chart, showing the dimensions of each of the nine sizes.

Gastronorm size	Gastronorm tray dimensions	Used for
GN 2/1 (Double)	650mm x 530mm	Double-size, typically used for very large quantities or buffets
GN 1/1 (Full)	530mm x 325mm	Full-size, ideal for roasting or steaming large quantities
GN 1/2 (Half)	325mm x 265mm	Half-size, ideal for smaller batches or side dishes
GN 1/4 (Quarter)	265mm x 162mm	Quarter-size, ideal for compact storage or serving dips and condiments
GN 1/3	325mm x 176mm	Great for storing toppings, sauces, or smaller ingredients
GN 2/3	354mm x 325mm	Useful for larger dishes or medium-scale storage
GN 2/4	530mm × 162mm	Suitable for slim storage needs or for holding specific side dishes or ingredients
GN 1/6	176mm x 162mm	Commonly used for garnishes or single portions
GN 1/9	108mm x 176mm	Perfect for small quantities of ingredients like herbs and spices

There are four other GN pan sizes you may come across too, although they are a lot less common. Their dimensions are:

GN2/8: 324mm x 132mm
GN1/12: 162mm x 88mm
GN2/24: 132mm x 108mm
GN1/18: 108mm x 88mm

Gastronorm sizes are based on a modular system, allowing pans to be combined and configured to fit different kitchen equipment. You can see how the gastronorm pan sizes fit together below.

There are also several gastronorm size depths to choose from:

20mm
40mm
65mm
100mm
150mm
200mm

Things to keep in mind when buying GN pans

Quality

No matter the gastro sizes you’re searching for, the main thing to consider is the quality of the product. After all, not all GN pans are created equal. Many cheaper options are often thinner and can be prone to warping or becoming misshapen over time. All of Mitchell & Cooper’s GN pan sizes are constructed with premium-quality stainless steel and are thicker than budget alternatives, ensuring greater durability. From industry-leading brand Bourgeat, these GN pans are designed to withstand the demands of busy commercial kitchens, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Intended use

You should also consider what you’ll be using the pans for before purchasing. For example, if you’re investing in a range of gastro sizes for buffet display, shallow pans may be a better choice, while larger and deeper gastronorm pan sizes are ideal for storing ingredients in bulk or cooking larger quantities. If you’re planning on transporting food in GN containers, look for pans with smooth edges and lids which make them easier to lift, carry, and stack. Planning on using your gastro tray for cooking? It’s also worth investing in a GN container grip which allows you to move hot pans safely.

Material

As previously mentioned, GN pans of all sizes come in an array of materials. The most common on the market (and our personal favourite) is stainless steel, thanks to its durability and versatility — it can be used anywhere from the oven to the freezer, the kitchen to the buffet! It is also a hygienic choice, as the material is non-porous, meaning it resists stains, odours, and bacteria growth, ensuring easy cleaning.

Another common GN pan material is plastic (usually either polycarbonate or polypropylene). These come with the benefit of being transparent, however, they can be less durable than stainless steel and more prone to discolouration. Looking for an alternative transparent storage solution well suited to transporting food? You may be interested in our range of ingredient containers.

Ceramic GN pans are another alternative, although these are less common than stainless steel and plastic models. They can be a good choice when it comes to displaying food, but they are much heavier and more fragile than other more commonly used materials. They also can’t withstand the same heat as stainless steel.

GN pan maintenance tips

Found the gastronorm tray sizes you’re looking for? Before you put them to use, it’s important to know how to care for them to make sure they last. Even more durable materials like stainless steel require proper care and maintenance to extend their lifespan. Here are some tips to keep a gastronorm pan of any size in top condition:

Cleaning: Always clean GN pans immediately after use to prevent food residue from hardening, or stains developing in the case of plastic GN containers. Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge to avoid scratching the surface. To get out stubborn stains, soak the pan in hot soapy water before scrubbing gently. You should avoid using bleach or acidic cleaners, as these can dull the surface or cause discolouration of stainless steel GN pans.
Drying: After washing, ensure the pans are completely dry before storing to prevent water spots. This is particularly crucial for stainless steel pans, which can rust over time.
Polishing: Looking to keep your stainless steel GN pans looking their absolute best? Use a stainless steel polish or vinegar to maintain a shiny finish. This is especially important if you’re using the pans as part of your buffet display.
Abrasives: Refrain from using steel wool or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the finish of stainless steel GN pans. Opt for non-abrasive cleaning tools and mild detergents instead.
Storage: Stack GN pans carefully to avoid denting, warping, or pans falling and becoming damaged. If you’re stacking multiple pans, you can use protective separators to maintain their shape. However, it’s best to avoid stacking too many together, especially in the case of ceramic pans as they are heavier and can easily become chipped or cracked if not stacked properly.
Monitor: Make sure to regularly inspect your pans for signs of wear, such as warping or corrosion. If you spot damaged pans, replace them promptly to maintain food safety and hygiene standards.

On top of these tips, check for specific care instructions from your GN pan manufacturer to ensure they stay in top condition for as long as possible.

By choosing the right gastronorm sizes and maintaining your pans effectively, you’ll have versatile and reliable tools to enhance the efficiency of your commercial kitchen. Whether you’re serving guests at a bustling event or preparing meals in a quiet kitchen, quality GN pans in the right size can help ensure every step of the process runs smoothly.

Here at Mitchell & Cooper, we have a wide selection of top-quality GN pans in various gastro sizes, from GN 2/1 to GN 1/9, as well as a selection of GN pan lids and other accessories. Explore our full range now, and browse the rest of our kitchen essentials for premium catering appliances, kitchenware, and bakeware.

Want to find out more about the products we have in stock? Check out the rest of our guides for more informative reads, such as our commercial dehydrator guide and our food processor and blender guide.